ecolab 2_DscrptBusnFinHighlight

Ecolab is a leading global provider of cleaning, sanitizing, pest elimination, maintenance and repair products and services. It operates in over 40 countries directly and serves customers in over 100 countries total. Ecolab's common stock is publicly traded on the NYSE and Pacific Exchange. The document provides an overview of Ecolab's business descriptions, financial highlights for 2000-1999 including net sales, income from continuing operations, diluted income per share, and dividends declared per share. It also includes graphs showing trends in these financial metrics from 1996-2000.